David Whitson-Black, Group Head of Talent Development at Azets

David Whitson-Black is Group Head of Talent Development at Azets, an international business and one of the UK's top 10 accountancy firms. Starting his career in people development 18 years ago, David now leads Azets Talent development team across the UK and Europe. David has strong experience in people development and has managed learning and development teams in the financial and professional service sectors. He is passionate about developing the best talent no matter where they are on their journey from early careers right through to senior management. His expertise ranges from leadership development to succession planning, talent strategy, coaching and mentoring, career pathing and performance management. Selected shownotes: What a Head of Talent Development in a large accounting firm actually does The symptoms of a professional firm that lacks a Learning and Development (LandD) function How career development for accountants happens beyond qualifications, CPD and mere technical competence How people learn and grow in different ways with different styles in professional firms The importance of being coachable and teachable yourself if you want to lead others How culture and values shape 6,500 people in a large professional firm Why being an authority figure as a leader is not necessarily engaging What selling and business development really means for fee earners and accountants Why the attraction of recruitment of talent is so critical for growth and succession in professional firms How people at every level of seniority in an accounting firm need support with their career and engagement Wise advice for new entrants and seasoned professionals who want to be successful with their accounting career A key driver of executive presence in accounting professionals When not working David likes spending time with his family, records music (singing) and has an interest in graphic design. Contact him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidblack79/ (David on LinkedIn)